It’s the moment students at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (YUHSG) wait for all year: Color War 5786! On Tuesday, March 17, this year’s Color War officially began, sparking excitement as Wildcats prepared for several days of spirited competition, teamwork, and creativity. This year’s theme, “Rise to Redemption,” challenged students to explore the idea of finding strength in difficult times through four tenets: belief in Hashem, following His Torah, recognizing His miracles, and davening to Him for redemption.
The senior class, led by general Evie Haar and captains Michal Feder and Ellie Reznik, represented “The Ultimate Return: Yearning for the Geulah and Our Return to Israel.” For the seniors, the event carried special meaning as their final opportunity to participate in Color War together before graduation. The junior class, led by general Bailey Rosenstock and captained by Coco Hazan and Annabelle Kreitner, represented “Divine Revelation: Recognizing Hashem’s Hashgachah and Miracles.” The sophomore class, guided by general Meira Husarsky and captains Tammy Matatova and Katie Pilarski, took on the theme of “A Call to Action: The Actions of and Dedication to Mitzvos,” while the freshman class, participating in their first Color War at YUHSG, represented “Emunah: The Foundation of Knowing Hashem, Trusting Hashem,” under the leadership of general Dana Lazarus and captains Jasmin Rackman and Suri Shvartsman.
This year’s Color War highlights included a wide range of activities, including volleyball, soccer, dodgeball, and Apache relay races, while academic and creative competitions challenged students with Chidon, an interactive trivia round covering the Makos, the Seder, and other subject areas connected to this year’s theme, and the YUHSG Tri-Bee, which incorporated a spelling bee, a brachos bee, and a Tanach bee. The teams were also tasked with contributing to the Central Update by researching and interpreting a section of the Haggadah. Additional events included the annual schoolwide Panoply, Central’s very own rendition of “Chopped!” and “Call to Action,” which challenged each team to propose a grade-wide social action mission, with the winners securing a chance to implement their mission. As always, artistic endeavors were among the activities, with a grade-decorated hallway competition and a team mascot design contest. During final presentations on Thursday, all four grades took over the YUHSG gym for an exciting showcase of each grade’s banner, video, dance, theme song, and alma mater song, which included original lyrics penned by each team.
Beyond the competitions themselves, Color War once again proved to be a powerful opportunity for students to strengthen friendships, build class pride, and celebrate the spirit of the school community. “The thing I love most about Color War is that we all work together, yet have unique strengths,” said sophomore general Meira Husarsky. “Our teams are like many different parts of the body coming together to make an ish echad, with one heart and one soul.” Congratulations to all four teams for their hard work, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship – and especially to this year’s Color War champions, the senior class.
Special thanks go to the many faculty members who helped facilitate the event, and particularly to Director of Student Activities and Judaic Studies faculty member Mrs. Sydney Yaros, who coordinated this year’s Color War and helped bring the entire experience to life.
